Conservation Cadetships

Applications have now closed for our eighth round of Conservation Cadets – the federal government extended this funding, which is great news for islanders with disabilities. Six paid places have been taken by people with disabilities from the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, to learn on-the-job in a supported environment over 20 weeks. They started work on Monday 1 September 2025.

Cadets will help grow our Running Wild Outdoors social enterprise, supporting inclusive walking and other tours on the islands, and helping design new tours.

Alongside this, cadets will work on conservation projects around the islands learning about, and raising awareness of, our precious natural environment. These included:

• Installing & maintaining Ocean Watch fishing tackle waste collection bins, and working on other marine debris collections
• Working with Tangaroa Blue, to enter the data on marine debris collected into the Australian Marine Debris Initiative database
• Learning about our local native plant species in our propagation nursery
• Working on BushCare sites and Community Gardens across the islands

Cadets gain essential work-readiness skills, as well as statements of attainment for introductory conservation and tourism modules that will count towards future study, and prepare them for future employment. They earn a full wage under the Horticulture Award.

A key tenet of the program is the cadet’s opportunity to interact with potential local employers, as well as the wider community on projects, all the time challenging perceived barriers to employment with actions not words.

To apply for a Running Wild cadetship you must be:

• At least 15 years of age, and if under 16, an eligible school leaver
• Currently registered for Australian Government disability employment services or assistance, have any diagnosed disability, or self-declare as having a disability – someone with any disability is eligible, including:
  • Physical disabilities
  • Intellectual disabilities or other learning difficulties
  • Sensory impairments
  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Mental health challenges
• A resident on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands
• Able to work 24 hours per week (Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 7.30am-4.00pm)

Applications are now closed. Recruitment for the next round will open in December 2025, and will start work February 2026.